The Farm Place Inc. was happily surprised to receive a $2,600 donation from the American Austin Bantam Club. Each year the AABC holds an auction at their annual club meet, and the proceeds are donated to a non-profit at the next annual meeting. This year’s meet was held at the Farmstead Inn & Conference Center in Shipshewana. After talking with employees at the Shipshewana Convention and Visitors Bureau, the AABC chose The Farm Place to receive their donation. Board member Keith James happily accepted a check on behalf of The Farm.

Board Member Keith James accepts a $2,600 check for The Farm Place from AABC President Mark Gage

“This donation came at us out of the blue, and we couldn’t be happier,” said Mr. James. “They asked me to attend their annual dinner and share information about The Farm and our goal of building the Animal Companionship Center. Such a nice group of people, very friendly and welcoming.”

The donation will go toward construction of the Animal Companionship Center, where children and adolescents will be reunited with their families and receive supervised visitation and relationship skill building in a safe, private environment, with the added benefit of animal companionship. Studies have shown that animal companionship is helpful in increasing self-worth, practicing and developing coping skills, and strengthening a sense of self-acceptance and the ability to deal with difficult life experiences. The Center will feature meeting rooms, a board room, an attached barn and stables to house various farm animals, along with fenced pastures, walking trails, and benches.

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About the American Austin Bantam Club

Established in 1962, the AABC is a car club dedicated to the preservation and restoration of American Austin and Bantam vehicles that were built in Butler, Pennsylvania between 1930 and 1941. The AABC welcomes enthusiasts of the Austin Seven, American Austin, American Bantam and Bantam Reconnaissance Cars (BRC). For more information about the AABC visit AustinBantamClub.com.

1939 American Bantam Roadster

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